Dani Novack
Patton's Steel
G3
Ontario, CA
Can you supply a short history of the business?
In 1959, my grandfather Bud Novack launched a new venture located across the street from his father’s scrap steel company, calling it Patton Sales. Patton’s quickly set itself apart in the steel service center industry by having retail locations, where anyone could walk in and get material they needed on the spot. And that is still the backbone of our business today. We have seven retail locations across So Cal, plus a 65,000 square foot Distribution Center and Corporate Offices in Ontario, and our Pipe Rolling Division (which is our manufacturing sector of the business). We also have 2nd, 3rd, & 4th generation family members working at the business.
We are proud of our many loyal team members, our family leadership, our continued strength in the Steel Service Industry, and we will continue to strive to bring the best service and materials to our customers. At Patton’s, We Provide Solutions to the Needs of Our Customers.
How old were you when you started working for the family business? What was your first job in the family business?
I was 17 when I started in the furniture sector of the business before we sold it in 2009. Then I came back into the business as a cashier and salesperson in 2009. Then in 2011, I became the Advertising Director. I’ve been with the company for 15 years.
Who or what inspired you to go into the business? Were you expected to go into the business?
I was not inspired to go into the business… it was a must-do as my first job, because my dad said I needed a job. But when I came back to the business years later, I was very interested in getting more involved, because I saw where I could make a difference in many ways. We were never pushed to immediately work for the business; my dad wanted us to have other job experiences.
How big a factor was the family business in your day-to-day interaction with your family members?
The business is like the elephant in the room… not in a bad way, it’s just obviously there. A lot more so now that 4 family members work for the business. We discuss it with our other family members, as they are interested in the business, but we tend to keep it pretty casual.
What would you have done if you didn’t go into the business?
My goal was to work at an advertising firm after I graduated college, but then I realized I could do a lot of the “hands-on client” goals I wanted for our own family business. I decided to create a piece for our sales team and that’s when it clicked that what I had been in school for would actually benefit Patton’s and that I could do all of that type of work in-house.
Can you remember the Moment you decided to enter the family business?
I was working for my friend (managing his salon in Orange) and my dad called me to ask if I would be willing to come and help out at our Irwindale store. I didn’t even hesitate; I quit my job and came to work at Patton’s!
What other family members are involved with the business (working or ownership)?
My dad (Jon Novack) is the CEO/President and Owner; my older sister Jessica is the Regional Manager; my nephew Cody (Jessica’s son) is a salesperson at our flagship store in Ontario
What is your long-term goal for the business?
I want to grow the business, grow our capacities in our fabrication and manufacturing sectors. I see this company growing and expanding to bring this type of business and how we do it to more of Southern California and into Nevada and Arizona too!
What’s the most important moment in the company’s history?
When my dad took over the business in 2009. This was right after my uncle (and his business partner) passed away. That year was the biggest push or change in the history of the company… we sold the furniture division, started an Outside Sale department to grow sales, started our manufacturing sector (Pipe Rolling) and grew our business during a major recession.
What’s your favorite event for employees?
Our Company Picnic! I plan and run the whole thing… we host our entire company and their families for the day and have a food truck come out and cater for us. There are games, prizes, activities like face painting, blow-up obstacle courses and more. So much joy is felt and seen at that event! This year we had over 200 people in attendance.
Are there any family business occurrences that played a part in childhood?
Oh yes, Saturdays at the Office Furniture Showroom while my dad worked for a half day… I would help him with paperwork or organizing. I started when I was about eight years old, and maybe we were paid $20 if we actually helped haha! Going into the office on “take your kid to work day;” visiting when I was really little, and my papa still worked at the company.
Are there any non-family members in the business (old-timers) that you were close to when you were growing up?
Absolutely… I still am. We are very proud of our long-term employees and many still work here and I am still close with them: Louie (our VP), Liz (she’s been in many different positions in the 25 years she’s been here), Harold (Palmdale Manager) and more!
Was there an event that triggered the change from “the kid” to a valued member of the management team?
Just always making sure that I was on top of my game, taking care of my work, and living up to my responsibilities. I always wanted to be a representative of my family as well as the business. I take my role of knowing our history, our employees, and many of our customers seriously and that allowed me to be seen more as a leader and not just Jon’s kid.
What was your closest moment to leaving the business?
THANKFULLY haven’t been here.
Who gave you the best piece of advice regarding the family business?
My dad… he is always giving me advice and letting me know more and more about the business and what we do to be successful and organized.
What is one memory from the family business that you cherish the most?
Just knowing that I am continuing the legacy that our family has established in So Cal… we go back five generations in the steel industry and have worked incredibly hard to be a standout.
What do you know now that you wished you knew when coming into the family business?
I think not really knowing much was helpful. It allowed f me to make my own path, figure out what I was helpful at and what I shouldn’t bother with (like sales, I am not a natural like my dad).
SHORT ANSWER
Biggest non-family idol or inspiration? Anyone making the world a happier and kinder place.
What keeps you up at night? I don’t have this issue… thanks Magnesium
What are you streaming? Landman; Bravo shows (I can’t help my bad reality shows); Shrinking
What’s on your turntable or Spotify playlist? Spotify playlists with a lot of variety. I listen to music about 8 - 12 hours a day in some format while working and driving. I am really into a lot of 1970’s African Psych Rock lately (listen to Happy Day by Sir Victor Uwaifo) and Indie music.
Godfather I or Godfather II? Both, and 3 because of the tie to Tahoe!
Favorite Sports team Dodgers!
Favorite College I went to an unconventional art school… so I don’t have a fave
Favorite venue to listen to music. The Greek (outdoor) or The Fonda (Indoor)
Quintessential SoCal activity or experience Boating to Catalina or Hiking
Desert, Beach or Mountains? (Pick one)
Desert (Joshua Tree/Palm Springs/Indio are magical)
What do you like most about SoCal?
The proximity to everything, the fact you can literally do anything and it’s here for you, the weather, so much
What don’t you like about SoCal?
Traffic, but that’s that music and podcasts are for
Favorite restaurant
Motherwolf
Best junk food
Doritos Spicier Nacho chips
Favorite Causes
My local NPR station (KCRW); LA food bank; Children’s Fund
NxtGen Nexus invites you to meet Dani at our NxtGen Nexus - CSUF Family Business Hot Seat Happy Hour on January 14 at Chapter One in Santa Ana.
Allen Esrock is the Founder of NxtGen Nexus, a platform for the next generation of family business owners which is based on his experience of growing up in a family business. Prior to that he started Jitter Fingers, the first safe, social networking website for tween girls and their bffs with Jitter Finger clubs in 12+ countries and 250+ cities in the US.
